Wines

Kosher for Passover

Organic / Biodynamic

A racy medium-bodied expression of Aligote. From 6.3 hectares of vines on high, cool slopes located in the lieux dits of Croix Rougeot, Belle Croix, Cote de Coutance, Cornevin, Cote de la Canne and Vignes de Forterre. Vines age between 10 and 30+ years old. The vines are farmed biodynamically and grapes are harvested by hand. The wine is fermented at cold temperatures in stainless steel vats using native yeasts. The wine is aged on its fine lees in stainless steel.

Organic

Well-rounded and harmonious with concentrated fruit flavors of peaches yellow plums, apricots and floral notes while mineral on the palate with long mouth-watering finish. 50% Encruzado, 15% Malvasia Fina, 15% Bical, 15% Cerceal Branco, 5% others (co-ferment). After harvest, some grapes undergo 24 hours of skin contact, with the remainder pressed whole-cluster into cement and steel tanks. Following spontaneous fermentation, the wine ages on its lees for six months.

Natalia Jessa is the mastermind behind Gota which has a simple yet bold objective: craft aromatically-driven, authentic fine wines of Portugal, while remaining value-conscious. Her many prior travels throughout Portuguese wine country on behalf of one of Europe’s major food markets enabled Natalia to develop invaluable relationships and gain access to some of the most exciting and as-of-yet undiscovered wineries and vineyards. She collaborates with them, as negociant, to select grapes that capture the optimal expression of a vintage. Vineyards are dry-farmed. Vines are ungrafted. To preserve fruit aromatics, winemaking utilizes ambient yeast and minimizes oak use. Adhering to tradition, wines are varietal blends and grapes are only native (no international varietals). Gota means "drop", referring to the humble origins of this project.

Organic

A blend of the native varietals Jaén and Tinta Roriz. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks and traditional, open-topped stone lagares. Most of the grapes are destemmed before fermentation. The grapes undergo seven to 28 days of skin contact. aging for 6 months in cement and used barrel. A full but restrained mouthfeel reveals delightful plum and black currant notes. Intriguing herbal, or garrigue, element coyly pokes its head out. This is a dry, easy-drinking value from Portugal that may surprise you with how much it has to offer. It surprised me!

Natalia Jessa is the mastermind behind Gota which has a simple yet bold objective: craft aromatically-driven, authentic fine wines of Portugal, while remaining value-conscious. Her many prior travels throughout Portuguese wine country on behalf of one of Europe’s major food markets enabled Natalia to develop invaluable relationships and gain access to some of the most exciting and as-of-yet undiscovered wineries and vineyards. She collaborates with them, as negociant, to select grapes that capture the optimal expression of a vintage. Vineyards are dry-farmed. Vines are ungrafted. To preserve fruit aromatics, winemaking utilizes ambient yeast and minimizes oak use. Adhering to tradition, wines are varietal blends and grapes are only native (no international varietals). Gota means "drop", referring to the humble origins of this project.

Organic

A blend of the native Muscat and the non-native but heat-tolerant Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Well over half of the cuvée is Sauvignon Blanc, which provides both the body and acidity. Depending on the vintage, either one or both Muscat varieties are used in addition to a small proportion of Gewürztraminer to boost the aromatics. An alltitude of 200-400 meters. Hand harvested, fermented in tank for 3 months.

Bring on white wine season, I’m ready! I need a break from these cool weather full-bodied reds. If you are in agreement, then look no further than Gramona Gessami Penedes Blanco 2021. It’s like Spring in a bottle! Gessami is an organically grown blend of Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, all very aromatic varietals. There is a lovely bouquet of white flowers and orange rind, an interesting combo to say the least. What stands out to me is the texture and fullness of the wine achieved without oak-aging. This is undoubtedly due to the Gewurztraminer. This white is much rounder than a lean New Zealand or French Sauvignon Blanc for instance, but much more refreshing than a full-bodied Chardonnay. Those of you looking for something different to drink this Spring should definitely give this a shot.

Gessami is crafted by Gramona, one of the most prestigious Cava producers. Gramona has a storied history in Penedes, Spain going back to the 1920s! Each generation has brought something new to the estate with Xavier expanding the scientific understanding of lees aging and the inherent properties of Xarel.lo while Jaume has pursued the conversion of all their vineyards – owned and leased – to organic farming as well as converting the family’s vineyards to biodynamic farming as well.

Organic

This nearly garnet Rose, like all their non-vintage sparkling wines, is aged 24 months entirage. It has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, Brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate, revealing more strawberry, raspberry, cherry. This sparkler is lots of fun and very festive, but production is limited to 5000 cases per year, so don't miss out. - Winery

Elegant and focused, with creamy vanilla and apple aromas and rich yet crisp flavors of baked pear and cinnamon bread.

Tasting Notes
Pale salmon in color, this full-bodied wine had a fine mousse and a creamy, rich texture. Complex aromas and flavors of raspberry, baked pear and cherry are complemented by a hint of toasted vanilla. The balance of fruit, minerals and crisp acidity lead to a round mouthfeel and lasting finish.

Winemaking Notes
Varietal Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
pH: 3.12
RS: 1% g/l
Alcohol: 12%
Vineyards: American
Oak: Bottle Aged
Fining: Sterile Pads
Aging: Aged en Tirage for a minimum of 24 months

"The Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor. Winemaker's Note: Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors." Winemaker notes

Organic / Biodynamic

10 hours on the skins followed by spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged in stainless. Filtered. A bright yellow color with a brilliant focus and structure. Mineral driven, stony, savory, and a delicate salinity aspect that is intriguing. A compelling wine that any white wine drinker will enjoy.

12% abv

Their style is fruit-forward, aiming for a very pure varietal expression and approachability in youth.

Winemaker Notes:
A rich, dark garnet color in the glass with vibrant purple shimmer, this Merlot displays aromas of ripe plum, rich cocoa, blueberry, and violet with hints of juicy black cherry. A luscious mouthfeel full of dark fruit, hints of sweet spice, and restrained astringency lead into a delicious, lingering finish filled with toasty oak undertones.

Pair with Italian style sausages, jambalaya, seared blackened salmon.

Features juicy plum and black cherry flavors, with a weave of anise and earth details. Falters a bit on the finish, where the wood plays a more prominent role. A very appealing Pinot. Drink now.

The Hanging Vine pinot noir packs a lot of varietal purity for the price-tag. It's got lots of that special bright red cherry note that is almost always lacking in the budget category. There's a nice full-feeling to the finish and should pair well with lighter meats, salmon, and snacks. For the money, there is almost nothing else in this category with this much pinot character. - PJ

Winemaker Notes:
This rich Chardonnay exhibits a classic profile of tropical fruit and Bosc pear alongside warm oak aromatics. The luscious palate suggests creme brulee and buttered toast, and finishes with fresh acidity.

Pair with cantaloupe with prosciutto, seared white fish over herbed farro.

"Our signature Riesling is vibrant and aromatic, featuring the distinctive minerality that has become our trademark. Fragrant essence of spring blossoms sets the stage for a succulent palate of early fruit, balanced with a refreshing crispness, revealing the true qualities of the Riesling grape. A brilliant texture carries into a lingering finish, in a wine that accommodates a wide range of food." Winemaker notes

Whole Cluster Press, Cold fermentation 3+ months, No fining or filtering agents, Estate grown & bottled. Estate Vineyards: 65% HJW, 23% Josef, 12% Magdalena.

Winemaker Notes:
This Lion is the emblem of the Hess Family and symbolizes the bold and persevering character of the winery's founder Donald Hess. In his honor, Hess strives to make the very best wines that elevate you every day. This Sauvignon Blanc is full of refreshing grapefruit, lemon zest and lime balanced by citrus aromas.
The bright acidity of this wine pairs well with salty and sweet combinations such as prosciutto-wrapped grilled peaches, fresh basil and tomatoes, chopped raw vegetable salads and fresh goat cheese.

"Bright acidity lends a crisp freshness to the flavors of peach, passionfruit, and lemongrass, artfully
balanced by a touch of freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime. Juicy and refreshing, with aromas of
jasmine, peach, and grapefruit rind. Medium-bodied, with a lingering finish." Winemaker notes

Aged on light lees 10% in neutral oak tanks (the oak tanks help develop mid-palate texture without adding any oak flavor) 90% in stainless steel tanks
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The fruit for this wine comes from our sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford, as well as other nearby vineyards.

On the nose there is the nectar of field flowers such as camomile, elderflower, iris. Mineral on the palate with a finish of almond, typical of classic Garganega. Vin Soave is our entry-level wine and represents half of our overall production. We define it as “a little luxury for everyday.” Classic, harmonic and intense wine. Ideal high-end wine by the glass: excellent quality/price ratio. All our vineyards are located in the Soave Classico area: hilly area with basaltic-volcanic soil. Minerality and field flower notes make the wine pleasant and intriguing, easy to match with food. 30 year-old vines develop complexity and balance. IT NEVER TIRES! 100% Garganega: this variety was introduced in the Classic area 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Vinification in stainless steel tank. Not fruit-driven; mineral and floral notes that clean the palate, making it food-friendly with lots of dishes. - Winery

In a word... Ripe. Dense purple in color, this wine opens with aromas of ripe red fruits, cherries, anise, cedar, savory spice, roasted coffee, and tobacco. The wine is velvety and lush presenting delicious flavors of raspberry, cherry and plum with warm baking spice, earthy undertones, and a hint of vanilla. The flavors are complemented by lively acidity and fine tannins that lift the wine suggesting a long life. The finish is long, supple and mouthwatering. This Paso Robles Cabernet is the perfect match for local almond wood grilled chicken with a side of stone ground grits, roasted poblano chiles and pepper jack cheese

An absolutely lip smacking Montelpuciano that shows none of the grapiness or downright ugliness of all too many cheap Abruzo table wines. Instead, the Pietrantonj shows outstanding cherry fruit, dried tobacco, and soft leather. But most importantly, it inspires you to keep returning to the glass. This is our kind of table wine, and for red-sauce-driven Italian food, we'd take this any day over many, many hundred-dollar plus wines that are all pomp and no soul. - PJ

Winemaker Notes:
"The J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and dense in color to the rim of the glass. Layered aromas of black cherry, currant and blueberry are accented by an authentic barrel-aged bouquet of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and roasted coffee. The palate peaks with high-toned red berry fruit, and follows with bright acidity and a full structure that is both dense and soft at once. "

The 2021 vintage was The Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Best Buys of 2023 First Place Winner!
93 points
This is a very satisfying Syrah for a rather stunning price. Lush and generous aromas of baked berry, hot spice cake and a touch of crushed rock show on the nose. The palate is brooding in cassis, boysenberry pudding and baking spice flavors, framed by impressively deep tannins. Best Buy.

Deeply colored with vibrant purple and magenta hues. Varietal aromas of black cherry and fresh blueberry are accented by black tea, bergamot, and lilac. The juicy and spicy structure of this northern Rhone cultivar is lengthened and lifted by the inclusion of Grenache, Mourvedre, Roussanne, and Viognier. Try with spicy chicken fajitas or oven-baked baby back ribs. (Winery)